Forgiveness

Jackie ran into the back bedroom and hid underneath her bed when she heard her father yelling at her mother. She knew that her father suffered from alcoholism and when he became drunk he would beat her mother and the children if they got in his way. Tears began to stream down her face as she heard her mother cry out in pain as she endured physical abuse. Her father not only became abusive when he drank but he became extremely sexual. Jackie’s three older sisters were victims of his sexual assault. One day Jackie’s father, fell down the stairs in his drunkenness, broke his neck, and died. Jackie was filled with bitterness towards men and un-forgiveness as she matured into an adult. She had trust issues with men and would never let them get too close because she carried scars from her childhood.

One day out of boredom, Jackie was skimming the radio station and she became intrigued from what she heard. On the radio was a woman who gave a testimony about how God’s love delivered her from the scars of a tragic childhood. Jackie knew deep down that she wanted to be free from the pain she was feeling. She got online and found a church close to her neighborhood. Jackie experienced God’s love for herself and over time she learned through God’s word and prayer how to forgive her father and let go of the past. She knew that God had great things in store for her. Nine months later in a church service, she met a man who ended up being the love of her life. Jackie no longer struggles with trust issues towards men today.

Do you struggle with un-forgiveness in your life? Sometimes if you think about all the terrible things someone has done to you, then it might seem like it is impossible to forgive that person. With God’s help the impossibility of a situation becomes possible. Matthew 19:26 says, “But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Ask God for help in this area. Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” God will supply all the help you need to forgive someone if you are willing.

Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” You don’t want to take the chance of spending an eternity in Hades because of un-forgiveness. Is it really worth it to hold on to all this pain? Usually the offender may never apologize for the pain they might have caused. They are probably going on with their life as if nothing happened while you are suffering with anger and bitterness in your heart. It does not matter how many times they have created an offense against you, you still need to forgive them.

Luke 17:3-4 says, “Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” Even after you forgive a person, it is wise to not take matters into your own hands. Just trust God’s word because his word does not turn back to him void. God said he will take care of it as long as you are doing what you are supposed to do. Romans 12:19 says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Just like Jackie, forgiveness will set you free and release a heavy burden off your life. Matthew 11:28-29 says, Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Are you ready to be set free and enjoy life? Is so then let Jesus carry those burdens.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly Father, You are a marvelous God who is fair and just. I come boldly to your throne today because I need your help to forgive _____(name of the person) for _____(say the offense). I realize how much pain I am in because I am choosing to hold on to this offense. Your word says in Matthew 6:14, for if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Lord I want to be pleasing in your sight so give me the strength to do this because I struggle in this area. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says that your strength is made perfect in my weakness.

Lord I need healing and I know this prayer is not in vain. James 5:16 says, confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Lord I will walk in love today and forgive this person and pray for them so the devil does not gain a stronghold in my life. Matthew 5:44 says, But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Lord with your help, I know I can forgive my enemies and anyone who offends me. I am the righteousness of God. I am a doer of the word and not a hearer of the word. I am a God pleaser and not a people pleaser. I decree that I am set free from un-forgiveness in my life. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.